M4.2: National Library ToxNet

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Using the National Library's ToxNet resources that you just learned about while viewing enviRN–Evidence, review and describe one or more health effects that associated with exposures to:
  • Urea formaldehyde (found in pressed board, a common building material)
Formaldehyde from pressed wood products can contaminate indoor air. Individuals working in buildings made from this material can breathe in the formaldehyde or may have skin contact with it. Health effects due to formaldehyde in the air may include irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat, or allergic reactions. Those with asthma may be especially sensitive. It was also reported that lightheadedness, dizziness, and incoordination was reported by some workers exposed to formaldehyde via the air. Formaldehyde is carcinogenic, and can cause myeloid leukemia or nose or pharynx cancer. 

  • Bleach (a cleaning/disinfectant product)
There was a study done on bleach to assess its effect(s) on women who use it for cleaning. The authors were looking for respiratory issues, specifically asthma. 607 women participated and data was collected with questionnaires, skin prick-tests, bronchial responsiveness challenges, and analyses of white blood cells. 37% of women reported weekly bleach use, and 11% were more likely to have asthma as compared to women who didn't use bleach. All in all, bleach was determined to be associated with non-allergenic adult-onset asthma, elevated neutrophil counts, and lower airway symptoms in women. 

Reference 

Matulonga, B. et al. (2016). Women using bleach for home cleaning are at increased risk of non-allergic asthma. Respiratory Medicine, 117. 264 - 271. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2016.06.019

Comments

  1. Ashley SubramaniFebruary 16, 2018 at 10:15 AM

    Hey Loren,

    We never really think of bleach to cause asthma but it was interesting to see the statistics that backed up the findings of how bleach contributed to asthma. I know my mom use to clean the house once a week with bleach products and now has asthma. It makes me wonder if the bleach had any impact of causing her to have asthma since it only developed later in adulthood.

    -Ashley Subramani

    ReplyDelete
  2. RaeMay 9, 2018 at 12:58 AM

    I wonder if the bleach fumes eroded away at the esophagus or made the alveoli weak or deflated and causes asthma. I'm sensitive to the fumes and I don't use it unless it is a last resort.

    ReplyDelete

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